Trees grown for 2 to 3 yr in rotation with crops (tree fallows) are a potential technology for increasing soil fertility in maize-based cropping systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of our study was to determine the effect of contrasting fallow options, compared with continuous maize (Zea mays L.), on light fraction soil organic matter (SOM), inorganic N (NO3 and NH4), and N mineralization. Soil was collected 2 and 3 yr after the establishment of fallow and maize systems on a sandy clay loam (Ustic Rhodustalf) in Zambia. Total soil C, N, and P were not different among the fallow and maize systems. Soil inorganic N and amount of light fraction N (150–2000 µm,
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1997.03615995006100030016xAltmetric score:
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Publication year
1997
Authors
Barrios E; Buresh R J; Kwesiga, F.R.; Sprent J I
Language
English
Keywords
fallow, fallow systems, nitrogen mineralization, soil fertility, soil organic matter
Geographic
Zambia
